In Memory and Celebration of Kenneth Long Maloney
October 1, 1945-April 30, 2020
Ken Maloney wandered into my life while sitting on the beach at Fisherman’s Cove, in Laguna Beach, during spring break in April 1974. It was an “instant” attraction over an orange. That encounter resulted in a passionate and intense affair that lasted until 1978 when a disagreement about marriage resulted in a parting of the ways. (short version-he married and had three wonderful offspring-I entered an exciting era of new work and a variety of non-marital adventures!)
Twenty-five years later an unexpected (and not necessarily welcome) phone call resulted in a problematic encounter over coffee at Jean Paul’s which resulted in another intense, and passionate, affair that lasted until his passing on April 30th. He was the exemplary warrior who fought stage 4 cancer for over six years. Ken took delight and pleasure in his two new young grandsons as well as the accomplishments of his children.
Ken graduated from Wilkes College with a BS in Chemistry, and took a PhD in Fuel Science at Penn State University. He did post- doctoral research at Princeton University and Drexel University, and held several patents during his career which took him to China and other areas for major projects and consulting. He was an expert in his field.
He was my travel mate, champion, companion and partner. He was loving and supportive and “Had my back,” when things got tough. He was stubborn and somewhat resistant to change unless it involved a trip to Hawaii. When he was quiet (which was often) I quickly discovered that he was either solving differential equations or pondering the meaning of life. He understood that I would take advice (if I asked for it), but that I expected him to take mine, whether asked for or not!
I miss him and keep expecting him to walk through the door on Friday evenings. I talk to him all the time, but realize all too often, that he is peacefully contemplating rainbows over the islands of Hawaii.
Aloha, Keneke.
